A league source tells us that the Saints have decided to bench quarterback Aaron Brooks.

Todd Bouman will start in his place on Sunday against the Panthers.

We're told that it was a coaching decision only, and that the move has nothing to do with Brooks' recent criticism of owner Tom Benson.

Brooks got the job in 2000, after then-starter Jeff Blake broke a leg. Brooks led the team to a division title, and the first playoff win in franchise history.

Brooks then won an open competition with Blake for the position in 2001. The cousin of Michael Vick landed a fat contract after an unexpected holdout in 2002, but his play hardly has merited big-time pay.

With $6.25 million in base salary for 2006, Brooks undoubtedly is done as the quarterback in New Orleans.